Programming Policy
The Portsmouth Public Library supports its mission of connecting people with each other and the world by offering creative, fun and educational services by developing and presenting programs that provide additional opportunities for information, learning, and entertainment. Programming is an integral component of library service that:
- Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
- Introduces customers and non-users to Library resources
- Provides entertainment
- Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
- Expands the visibility of the library
Programs are developed by Library staff with review and approval of the Director on a quarterly basis. Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Director who administers under the authority of the Board of Trustees.
The Library utilizes staff expertise, collections, services and facilities in developing and delivering programming. The Library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
- Community needs and interests
- Availability of program space
- Treatment of content for intended audience
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Budget
- Relevance to community interests and issues
- Historical or educational significance
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
- Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for Library programs. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.
All Library programs are open to the public. A fee may be charged for certain types of Library programs. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming, and the library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library hosting of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants, and program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on site at any Library location or off site. Any sales of products at Library programs must be approved by the Library and benefit the Library.
External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Marketing Manager and Director.
The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from customers concerning programming. If a customer questions a library program, he/she should first address the concern with a Library staff member. Customers who wish to continue their request for review of Library programs may submit the Request for Reconsideration form. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials as outlined in the Request for Reconsideration Policy.
Effective July 19, 2022
